The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed students from 23 countries gathered in the General Assembly hall for the 2012 Global Classrooms International Model UN Conference.

The 2012 conference will bring together students from around the world to discuss diverse and pressing international issues such as the role of women in peace and security, the elimination of racism and xenophobia, and the effects of atomic radiation. This year's General Assembly regional committee will simulate the 2012 Earth Summit (Rio+20), focusing on climate change, sustainability and the challenges of global environmental stewardship.